I TRIED 1000 TURNTABLES! These are the BEST & WORST Record Players to Buy

I have tried almost every turntable imaginable from vintage record players to modern turntables. Inside and out! Over the years I have seen and heard it all. In this video I am going to show you the best turntables under $1000, the best first record players, my favorite audiophile turntable, the most important decision in buying a turntable, and even show you my personal turntable collection.
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00:00 Intro
00:19 How to Buy YOUR FIRST Record Player
01:45 Best BUDGET Turntable
02:30 Best Turntable UNDER $500
03:04 PORTABLE Record Player
04:01 Best VINTAGE Turntables
06:43 FULLY AUTOMATIC Turntable
08:13 Dual CS 529
09:39 Best DIRECT DRIVE Turntable
09:59 Belt Drive VS Direct Drive
10:32 Best BELT DRIVE Turntable
11:22 Best DJ Turntables
12:00 MOST IMPORTANT THING
13:28 Should You Buy A PHOMO PREAMP?
14:48 Best AUDIOPHILE Turntable
15:55 Luxman HiFi System
16:42 My FAVORITE Turntables in my Collection

[@JustAudioHiFi]

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[@aarondavis8433]

i had a set of Technics 1200's that were literally under water for 3 days. The Nightclub had a fire (so these were also subjected to fire and thick smoke) We found them soaking in wet black water from putting the fire out. when we picked them up the water poured out of them. Took them home, took the base and platter off and poured distilled water over everything (electronics and all) I sprayed it down with diluted rubbing alcohol and rinsed them off with distilled water again. They dried dissembled for a week. When I put them back together and fired them up, The damn things worked like nothing had ever happened. The pitch controls had to be re calibrated and that was all. They were bullet proof for years to come

[@sandgrownun66]

Only literally, and not actually?

[@Tonytheman214]

Yes actually because technics make the best turntables

[@photogcw]

I have a Technics SL-DD33 fully automatic direct drive turntable. When purchased in1987, it was at the bottom of their direct drive line. It still performs flawless to this day. I enjoyed the show.

[@ripmcmanus773]

I can only talk about what used to be in my turntable collection, but I had a number of both turntables and cartridges. Turntables included Dual 1249, Technics SL-1200, Technics SL-10, and my favorite of the bunch, a Pioneer SL-570. I went through a lot of cartridges looking for "that sound," AudioTechnica AT-15, Shure V15 Type IV, Stanton 881S, Ortofon OM-30, but my favorite was the lowly Pickering XSV-3000. Playing through an Apt Holman preamp...heaven.

[@christopherbyrne1617]

I have a Kenwood KD2070 manual turntable that I bought new back in 1978 and I recently purchased a used Pioneer PL55X that is currently in my vintage system. I love both of them! Great video!

[@Robin-xv3pv]

I have the exact same Kenwood at home for like 2 years, it was free because of some issues. I would never buy an other one to replace it, i love it.

[@thomasetesta5641]

Thx Lenny, good video. Love the dual CS model you showed, I have 3 tables, Fluance RT81 with upgraded AT Cartridge. Pro-ject Debut Carbon table with Ortofon Blue Stylus & Vintage 1970s JVC QL-F4 Direct Drive table paired with my '70s Marantz 2252 Receiver

[@scanman84]

Your knowledge of vintage gear is crazy! Love your videos and your store. Saving my $$ to make a purchase. Cheers.

[@garywhite9908]

I use a mid 60's Pioneer PL7 with the glass and wood cover with the original Audio Technica AT6-7D cart with rim drive. I love it! I would like to hear more on carts for these vintage tables. Mine sounds great but I've never heard anything else to compare it to. I can't quite bring myself to drop 3 to 5 hundred on an experiment.

[@edyoung6573]

Great Video! I started out the AT120, (hated the integrated RCA cables) had that for 7 years, Acrylic platter mat upgrade, Stylus upgrade (ATML540) It did serve me well, passed it down to my Niece to replace her Crosly. Now have the Mofi Studiodeck absolutely love the Mofi!! Pricey but worth it in my humble opinion.

[@JustAudioHiFi]

Nice choice!

[@apislapis]

I own 3 vintage decks mainly because I must be getting on toward vintage age myself, a Pioneer PL12D, a Dual CS505 & an out of action at present Linn LP12 + Ittok tonearm that requires a new cartridge. I snapped the stylus after a few beers and the Ortofon MC 25 cartridge is a discontinued model.

[@vincentmontambault217]

We still have a Realistic motorized tray turntable that was coupled to a Realistic STA-2100D amp. That amp died a long time ago, but the turntable is still here in working condition. We also had a nice Sony wooden turntable, but we sold it a couple of years ago.

[@kevinfestner6126]

Dual introduced the ultra low mass tonearm in the 1980s, one of the best tonearms ever mass produced. It appears dual has reintroduced the ulm. With the ortofon cart, one included the 78 stylus for the cs 608q table, this was an unbeatable combination, esp in the early 80s, for an off the shelf turntable. I know something of those days, ex.. Want a marantz 6100, it's the same table as the Lafayette t 2000, for 500 bucks less. As to belt v direct drive, toward the end of vinyl, at the nascence of the cd age, direct drive was far superior. Glad to see dual is back. These new turntables seemed to have rolled back the clock.x

[@jtavegia5845]

I had a 40 year old Dual 502 with a high torque AC motor and replaced the arm with a REGA RB 250 and it really made the table sound great. I just gave that table to my youngest son as I just bought a Technics SL 100C and love it. Totally quiet and speed stable.

[@Darrylizer1]

I have a Denon DP 45 F I bought in 2006 for 180 bucks. Wow and Flutter of 0.012%, speed variation of 0.002% and a SNR of 72 db. I put a decent Grado cartridge on it for about 500 bucks and it sounds incredible. I'm a Denon fanboy for sure. Got a Pioneer PLX 1000 and that thing is built like a tank. Love it too.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

Does Grado still make their F series cartridges? I loved my Grado on my Sony PS-T3.

[@Darrylizer1]

@@bricefleckenstein9666 I want to say no, but I'm not entirely sure. They have the Prestige, Reference, Timbre and one other line I can't remember. Their customer service if you buy directly from them is excellent.

[@user-xx2hj7xb6b]

After my Dual 1218 and Phillips 312 TTs broke down, I bought the fully manual, belt-drive Thorens TD166 mk2. That was in 1985 and I still have that uber durable machine. Quality lasts. I'm surprised that you didn't include at least one Thorens in your video.

[@terencejay8845]

The Thorens TD166 was a mainstay of the budget set-ups in UK audio magazines for ages during the 80's, with NAD amps and KEF speakers.

[@ENGLISHISBEST]

That is some collection indeed, I envy you. I bought my first cheapo deck at 16, I am now 65 & retiring in 3 months when I am 66 I have owned a few decks & various kit but as you get older so do your ears. I will now settle with my possibly last deck & setup a rega p3 with marantz & Bowers & Wilkins. But I sure do still find it all as fascinating today as 50 years ago. Oh! do you have wheelchair access for oldies lol. Only Joking I an a brit.

[@justinluttmer]

When you go on discussion forms today and someone is asking for suggestions between one of two turntables most people would suggest to get the turntable with a better tone arm rather than the cartridge as it can always be upgraded, but with some of these tables, the tone arm cannot. I would venture to say that the tone arm is more important than the cartridge initially when it comes to buying a turntable.

[@arcorob]

FYI..In my opinion (as a somewhat turntable aficionado), best modern day table for the price today is the Fluance RT85. At $500, I put it up against any $1500-$2000 table. And while the Ortifon 2M blue it comes in is "okay" , match it with an AT440Ml or equivalent AT cart and its bliss !!! Its not full auto but the auto stop feature works very well.

[@R3TR0R4V3]

The VM540ML is pretty much the modern equivalent. Great bang for the buck, imho.. Been using these for a few years now. :)

[@ptg01]

Could not agree more... I changed from 2MBlue to Hana MC (green one) and what an upgrade ! I am happy !

[@jemsmay2167]

I had a Denon direct drive (SL-7D) years back that I loved. Started with a Grado cart on it and it was really good, switched to a Denon cart and it was really special. I have a Fluance now with an ortofon blue and it’s great, but not as nice as the denon.

[@pierreduchesne0001]

I got a Fluance RT82 to replace an old Dual CS 515 (the Dual worked for 30 years or so). The cartridge coming with the RT82 is good enough to me, and there is always that option to change the cartridge and essentially upgrade to a RT85. For me Fluance is the standard these days, when you put into the equation sound, overall quality and price.

[@baseballlife5884]

I have the RT83 and it sounds wonderful. The auto stop feature is so nice to have.

[@christianholmstedt8770]

That CS529 got the same features as my vintage Dual 621. Full auto with repeat. Sweet. For those looking, pick up a 621 btw, It's a really nice direct drive rig from '78-'79.

[@DavidKasan]

As a long time fan of my Dual CS5000 and Ortofon OM cartridges, your review warmed my heart! Great to see Dual is still in the game and still using that beautiful black walnut from across the ocean.

[@owenlaprath4135]

A couple of pirates bought ought the name around 2018 and FIRED the entire Fehrenbacher-Dual plant and kicked the factory and all employees to the curb. What you get from that new Dual (which disgusts me and I consider it a rip-off!) is simply another version of the AT-LP3, made in China, except it is way over-priced! If you want a real Dual, buy a "Pro-Ject", because the original Dual factory was absorbed into Pro-Ject Audio Systems. The Pro-Ject A1 and A2 are the direct continuation of the Dual 435 fully automatic turntable. With a few "Rekkord" branded machines, they are only original Dual machines from the 90s still made, and they are built in Germany by the original factory! The Pro-Ject Carbon Pro has an arm gimbal developed by Dual as an evolution of the Dual-5000, a historic audiophile turntable! Oh, there is also the Andover Spin Deck, which is also the same old Dual 435 turntable :)

[@terencejay8845]

I still have my (UK) Dual CS505 Deluxe with a black ash plinth and an Ortofon cartridge I bought new in 1979/80. It's been snug in its box for many years as I purchased a Pro-Ject Debut SE when they came out, to much and deserved acclaim. A 'pro-ject' for 2024 is to digitise my LP collection, though I'm only halfway through doing that to my cassettes..

[@DavidKasan]

@@terencejay8845 Sounds like something I would do!

[@JioFreedOfOphan]

I love my Pioneer PL-530 so it's nice to see it get some love and recognition. I put an AT-120E/T cartridge in back in 2015 and it sounds great.

[@stevenjosephs9]

Loving old Pioneer Wood grain with belt ... Very little you can't repair yourself ... Mint PL A45D . Nice

[@mike._.feliciano6782]

I love that clear Audio Technica in your collection. I personally have 2 of the Technics 1200 M3Ds...built like a tank. The oldest is dated back to 1999 and it's still works.

[@fanman8677]

I have two hi-fi setups. The first is a Kenwood model Eleven with a JVC QLA75 that I am putting an Ortofon red onto, but I currently have at 3600l with a pair of Cerwin Vega vs-120. My second is a Harmon Kardon 430 with a Kenwood KD3100 with at3600l and a pair of AR4X speakers

[@garytempleton5097]

Speaking of vintage I have a Thorens TD-160. Fully manual very simple but well built turntable and using a Sure 97Xe cartridge. Sounds great. Also nice to see you sell Luxman. I have a Luxman L-430 amp I really love. Again, solid and well built as always with Luxman.

[@JustAudioHiFi]

Thanks for sharing!

[@spacehopper77]

I have a small turntable collection, nothing super expensive but a few tables I have bought over the last ten years and are still interesting to me. My collection consist of a yellow soundburger, two matching custom white Technics 1210s mk2s for djing, a Marantz 6300, a Pioneer PL-570 and a PL-630, a Micro Seiki DD-33 with custom plinth, a linear Technics SL-M3 and a SL-J3 and finally a Denon DP-60L. I like the fully automatic of the 570, the low mass arm of the DD-33 and DP-60L the linear tracking of the M3, the track selection of the J3, the looks of the 6300, and the sprung base and automatic of the 630. The turntable I use the most is the Micro Seiki DD-33 as I really like combination of the low mass arm and high compliance of the Ortofon OM40 cartridge with a tracking force of 1.3 grams. On that note I wish someone would release a new P-mount table and cartridge with the 1.25g tracking force. I have both the M3 with a p-mount shibata stylus and the DD-33 turntables plugged into a Pioneer SX1250 receiver through a Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2 phono amp driving a set of Kef Q55.2 speakers. This setup, for my taste anyway, sounds amazing. My biggest problem is I’m likely to get divorced if I buy anymore turntables or vintage gear. 🤔😁

[@bacarandii]

The walnut plinth of that Dual CS529 looks a lot like my 2022 Music Hall Classic (from Roy Hall, one of the founders of Linn), which is in the $650 range and is not fully automatic -- but it does lift the arm and stop at the end of a record. It's my everyday workhorse turntable (with a Soundsmith Otello cartridge). I also have a Fluance RT85 (recommended by some other commenters), a vintage Pioneer PL-530, Philips 312, and Technics SL-7 direct drive/linear tracking model -- all of which continue to serve me well. My only reservation about the Fluance (which, like the Music Hall has a switchable built-in phono preamp) is that it simply stops in the inner groove but doesn't lift the arm. I don't know if that's the greatest thing for the stylus/cantilever (or the inner groove!), but I suppose it doesn't do much damage if you don't leave it sitting there forever...

[@stevezeidman7224]

Lenny, enjoyed that! I have a Technics SL-D2 and Fluance RT-85 with the clear vinyl platter. I bought an AT95E and AT95ML. I like them both very much. Price appropriate for my TT and my very crappy 50 yr old records. The Duals call to me because I had a 1219 and 1257. Always loved their looks.

[@JustAudioHiFi]

Very cool! Thanks Steve!

[@bigaldallas]

I had D2, sold it and now D3. not bad at all. running VM95ML now

[@ronmcmartin4513]

Get a Record Cleaner. Even an $80 Spin Clean. Some may sound really good. For Classical records, the Golden Age of 1958-63 are still some of the best sounding records.

[@DealerIgnition]

Great video and agree on your priorities.

[@n3drx]

JVC JL-F50 direct drive fully automatic. Bought it from Jim Disney at Stansbury Stereo in 1977 when I was 16. Still use it with my Marantz 2270

[@joemyers2818]

I've been in the business for 50 years and as one of my customers described himself I'm a "terminal audiophile". At this moment I'm listening to the new Geffen Steely Dan Gaucho. It sounds great but I am waiting for the 45 RPM UHQR version from Analog Productions. My main system is the Yamaha GT-5000 with a Grade Aeon cartridge into a McIntosh MP1100 phono preamp. The signal path is balanced ( with AQ cables ) from the turntable out to the power amp in and the result is a very quiet background. My home theater has the equipment that used to be in the main system, a Well Tempered Lab, Simplex turntable and integrated arm that has a golf ball in a viscus fluid as the pivot, the drive belt is made out of fishing wire. I am using a Sumiko Blue Point special cartridge feeding into a Parasound JC-3+ Phono pre amp. Two tables I've had for awhile that are not in use at the moment are a Yamaha PX-2 with a straight line tracking arm that is fully automatic. The other one is the height of my 80's audiophile dreams a SOTA Star with a 40 lb acrylic platter with a vacuum system that seals the record in place as if the cartridge is playing a 40 lb record. That wasn't enough for me so I installed a Eminent Technology air bearing straight line tracking arm. I haven't used the SOTA since I moved years ago for lack of a good spot to put it plus the time and complexity of setting it up. I need two fish tank pumps to provide the air for the arm and the platter!

[@belalugrisi1614]

Tha Luxman/AT combo look like a stellar rig~ Thanks for your channel & best to you!

[@ChrisOlonzo]

Dude, you have my dream job. I'm 56 and I always pictured myself owning my own hi-fi store ever since I was young. I was an audiophile at a young age. I owned many of the vintage components I see in your store. I smiled when you walked by a Pioneer SX-D5000 (7000?) In your back room. I had a CT-F1250 to go along with it. I still have my Technics SL-1600MK2 table, but it's been in storage for years. I worked as a bench tech for Kyocera in the 80's, who's NJ headquarters were right down the street from my high school. I'm happy to help with any tech questions or tell you what made each model different from your run-of-the-mill components from that era.. I wanted to congratulate you on your store and wish you the best of luck. Wish I were you. 😊

[@JustAudioHiFi]

Thank you! I noticed that one walking by it too, you weren't alone

[@deanfisher1656]

Cool…love your informative, but casual style. Running a 70s Luxman PD 272 with that awesome Micro Sieke arm and a Shure V15 iv cartridge in my vintage system. Main system has the Rega P9 custom wired with a Clear Audio Maestro cartridge. Waaaay fun and great sounds. Try the Stein mat sometime. Blew me away on the Rega ceramic table. Keep em coming.

[@ZZZ_ZZZ_ZZZ_ZZZ_ZZZ]

When I see these reviews, there is one model that always gets overlooked. Technics SL1600MK2! Fully auto, automatically adjusts to record size, direct drive quartz lock, s tube tone arm, strobe speed indicator on the platter, repeat function, swappable headshell, pitch control knob. I was told by the Turntable Guy Joel that the torque is just slightly less than the 1200.

[@R3TR0R4V3]

Same with the SL-1600.. Basically the same motor as a SL-1200, which is why I went with one. Not crazy about how the MKII looks, but that's just me. 👍

[@ChrisOlonzo]

Best vintage turntable in my opinion. I've owned one since I was a kid in the 80's. I'm pretty sure it doesn't have a repeat function though. It weighs in at 23lbs. It gets up to speed in 1/4 of a revolution and can stop rotating just as fast. I mounted a Garrot P-77 moving coil cartridge on it. $10 says you never heard of one of those, it was made in Australia .

[@MarvinHartmann452]

It's a plastic turntable. I had one.

[@ChrisOlonzo]

@MarvinHartmann452 it's not plastic. The bottom is a composite material that's much heavier than regular TPU plastic. The plinth is cast aluminum, as is the platter, which weighs 4lb, add another pound for the substantial rubber mat

[@stephen579]

I have one of those that has broken and even a good turntable tech couldn't fix it.

[@xyanide1986]

I got me a 2nd hand lp120x. Great little thing but my current model has no arm height adjustment which is less optimal in theory. Still sounds great and I'd be hard pressed to upgrade to something else. I recently learned that the cartridge it comes with doesn't need to be completely level for best performance, so that's probably why they got rid of that feature. I did get it close to level by stacking rubber and acrylic turntable mats.

[@jtavegia5845]

I love my new Technics SL-100C as the speed is dead spot on when playing my Shure test lps with the 1khz and 10 khz tones and viewing the output in my recording software's FFT display...just a solid, narrow spike at those frequencies not a wider spread you get from a belt drive table. The quietness of the LPs in the band between tracks is remarkable. A superb table for $1100. I changed out the AT-VM95 C stylus for the ML and love the sound.

[@flippednickel4669]

Loving your channel. I am digging out all of my old vinyl, My Pioneer 838 and my L100's and the only turntable I have now is a Technics SL-QX300. I found a 681 EEE in the original box but I don't recall if I ever used it or not. Getting the impression it would not mount on this turntable. If not any recommendations on upgrading this turntable without breaking the bank? Thanks!

[@mgarner1155]

You are correct. That SL-QX300 uses a cartridge format introduced in the early 1980s known as T4P or direct plug in. It can not use a standard 1/2" mount cartridge. You are restricted to cartridges design for T4P use, and those are getting very scarce. I would strongly recommend upgrading the turntable to something else. The Stanton 681EEE cartridge is very good. I still have a Stanton 681EEE I kept from way back when. I took it off the the Dual 1219 I sold back in the day and replaced the cart on the 1219 with a lesser AT cartridge. Look for a good mid price range vintage table like the Pioneer, Technics, or JVC QL series direct drives from back then or a modern turntable with "S" arm and removable headshell.

[@flippednickel4669]

@@mgarner1155thanks for the heads up. I managed to find a quality needle for that cartridge in the QX 300 and it is performing very well for the time being. I will keep an eye out for the turntables mentioned! Thanks!!

[@vulcangunner58]

I still have my Sony PS-X45 direct drive TT from 1980. Quartz-lok drive and I put the AT 1200 SA cartridge on it for the Shibata stylus. Still plays great today, but the cueing is completely gone. I quickly tired of chasing the strobe on my old BIC TT. I now use the AT LP3, but only on rare days with the old vinyl.

[@HowardFrischer]

Need insight. i have a LP120XUSB-BT should i get Ortofon 2M Blue or Audio-Technica VM760SLC - i listien to hard rock and heavy metal.

[@SlinkyStoney]

I scored a technics sl-d303 fully automatic turntable for less than a $100. The dust cover have a small crack on it the installed ortofon cartridge has no stylus left but everything works. Power on, set the speed and hit start and it will automatically detects the record size, has a repeat function too.

[@WardoUSA]

I didn’t research anything at all before buying my first turntable. Ended up picking up a Technics Lp-60 for $75 Used it sparingly in our new sitting room for the past 8 months and then the speed was off. It took a long time adjusting the mini screw underneath to fix the speed. I also added the LP-Upgrade kit. For $60 bucks the new stylist and belt made this thing sound completely different. Very impressive for what it is. It’s hooked up to a BlueTube 70 hybrid amp ($50) B&W 201’s bookshelf’s ($50) and sunfire sds8 sub ($75) All purchased second hand locally. I love this little system.

[@zx7gp]

Love my PL 530 so much I had it veneered in real wood, tuned up and new dust cover. Knocks visitors out everytime.

[@daviddunn773]

I have a Kenwood KD -5070 Direct Drive what do u think ?

[@ncfamily4]

Love my very vintage (bought brand new in 1985) JVC QLY-66F. It still looks and sounds fabulous.

[@jonnoyes6082]

A terrific turntable, but if the control chip dies it can't be fixed

[@simonfiveash3810]

I've got original 1960s Beatles in mono ,what's the best to play them on and do I need to get a mono cartridge as most upto the white album are in mono, Abbey Road and Let it be are stereo.

[@Siryn]

As a pro DJ, I have a pair of SL-1210's customized with new tonearms, leds and powder coated, and a Denon Prime 4+ in my setup currently. Grew up spinning in the 80's and 90's spinning vinyl and refuse to ever give it completely up in my setups.

[@RRW276]

I have a great setup for my music room (a bedroom) but what I need are a decent set of bookshelf speakers. Nothing too loud, just good quality. I currently have these old Panasonics which have just a single speaker. They're not bad, the warmth is there, just need better ones to go with my 20 watt Marantz receiver and the exact turntable you first showed, the AT 120X. I wish I had the room and setup for some old Cervin Vegas, but in a townhouse that wouldn't work. I'd love the KLH Model 3's, but that's overboard for my needs as well as too expensive right now (for the pair).

[@colanitower]

A good cheap option could be National Panasonic SB-39 speakers. Not well known, if for sale it's at bargain prices. I have a pair I bought new in 1978 and they still are going strong. A modern option could be Kef LS-50 Meta.

[@Sunrayman123]

Jensen Model 6

[@tallboyyyy]

I have a pair of Technics 1200's that have to be easily over 30 years old. They were originally owned by a nightclub so they were quartz modified to make beat mixing easier for house music DJs. They are equipped with classic Stanton 680EL cartridges which are also over 30 years old and still sounding great.

[@migalley1]

I have 3 Technics turntables, SL-230, SL-1300 and a SA-Q2. I have all three being used and they sound great.

[@frogdishon]

I really want to like you guys because I'm so close to you you in travels. I just can't stand these analysis and your prices to buy stuff. You are the reason why I started my own business working on stuff and selling it. Thank you for that. 😂

[@TheBudgie29]

The see through Speakers and Turntable, are Promotional Items used In the Stores only. They didn't just stop at them, they made Beta-Max and VHS players and TV's. These are still used today In Prisons, so they can't stash any contraband In them. Lovely collection. You don't have any Rega P123's?. At 17:44 I have seen those scratch pads, and they Light up when spinning. Does yours do this as well?. Keep Collecting, and sharing.

[@roadrunner3563]

I still have/use my PL112D. Entry level with ok specs. Rumble was a little high, but good enough for me at the time. I could use a low freq cutoff if it was sucking up watts unnecessarily.

[@stevenjosephs9]

Even the cheaper AT cartridges sound really good

[@DJboutit2]

7 months ago I picked 2 Gemini DJ turntables for $300 off Facebook Marketplace PT 2000 and a SA 2400. Both of these turntables have better specs than most turntables under $600. I also picked up a Stanton T 62 for $70 with original box 2 years ago. Last I have a BST PRO 96 belt drive DJ turntable I got in 1998 to 2001. I use the 2 Gemini DJ turntables on my internet radio station Phat Beats Radio.

[@ericl20881]

I’m thinking of getting my first record player. Something for me and my wife and kids to enjoy in our living room. I’m strongly considering the audio technica lp120. What preamp and what speakers would you recommend for this?

[@Aubury]

As a hobby the turntable/record revival is an interesting subject. The same fascination is found in steam trains. Piston aircraft engines, and split cane fishing rods.

[@mgarner1155]

Still running 2 vintage turntables. Upstairs mancave has a JVC QL50 armless direct drive with a Sumiko Premier MMT tonearm, and for cartridges - I swap back and forth between an Ortofon 2M bronze, or an Old Empire 2000X Cart with new old stock Empire S2000X stylus or a low hour AT 150MLX. Down stairs I still have what was one of Pioneers top turntables, - The Series 20 PLC 590 with the PA1000 tonearm with carbon fiber arm wand. For a cartridge, I use one of the above or a retipped Empire EDR.9 or Empire 2000Z with New old stock Empire stylus. Both tables are manual, but each has a vintage Audio Technica AT6006 safety raiser to lift the arm at the end of playback. the AT6006 is finnicky to set up at first and you have to get used to locking the lift arm back don at the end of each play, but I've gotten used to it and like having the cart stylus off the record surface at the end of each side play.

[@1957CRAZYDJ]

Love my ClearAudio Concept with 2M Blue from Ortofon. Sadly belt driven and fully manual, but asta la vista.

[@paulc5358]

Great video!! I love the old school belt drive ones! Here are my TT Please let me know what you think!! Toshiba-SR-F451 w/ a Pickering D9E stylus . Dual 506 & a 506a both w/ a B&O MMC-10e stylus , Technices SL-B2 w/ a Stanton 6800 stylus & a Yamaha YP-B4 w/a Grado red stylus. I am really digging the Pioneer L 530 & that Marantz 6300 you showed a lot!!! Maybe I'll cash these in & save for one of those?

[@donrumgay5200]

The cartridge that i still prefer to use is a Stanton 681EEE…it’s just the (correct) replacement styli can be a pain to find….on a Technics SL-1200M7L turntable…run through a 1980 Technics SA-404 Receiver to a pair of Bose 901 Series VI Speakers…

[@kevincooney502]

What a your preferred styli replacement for the 681eee? Thx

[@RUfromthe40s]

i bought a technics recentely a regular SL something with basic functions and weight /anti-skating ,also stroboscope looking mint from 79 direct drive quartz engine with a slim 1980 amplifier with power crystal peak display and tuner, also in mint condition for 150€ , the turntable on Ebay costs when they appear around 300€

[@sergiogomezphotography]

Glad you like the Pl-530 and 6300. I’ve bought them both for under a grand . Vinyl is peeling but I can live with that . I could not live with the new Dual at $1,200 with the black cheap looking plate with controls. It makes it look like a cheap Crosley . Dual release it with a brushed aluminum controls for your own sake .

[@WestCoastDP]

Been in audio for 45 years. My two best vintage TT's are my Sony PS-X5 and a rare Numark TT2400, both made in Japan. The Numark has a JELCO tonearm. Both very, very heavy. I rotate around 10 different carts for various records. I hardly use my 1200. They go straight to a rare Andre preamp out to a BGW 250 amp hooked to some Infinity Monitor II's with Walsh tweeters. Sweet sound.

[@JorgeChavez-xm2ew]

My Technics SL-QD33 is nice. It's completely auto with repeat and queuing. I bought it in excellent in 2013 and is still going strong. Thanks for the videos!

[@abcd1239me]

I have the audio technica lp120-usb and I love this turntable. works great for my needs.

[@johnbeeck2540]

The 1970's turntables were the best by far - great performance, fully automatic and reliable!

[@ronmcmartin4513]

Just like 1970s American cars, right?

[@valantj]

Fully automatic, semi automatic.... by default, that is bad thing for turntables: vibration, resonance touchy device does not benefit from aditional levers, etc stuff dangling inside them....

[@hjalmarfossi5728]

Definitely gonna be a fun one!

[@bobby666666]

I've just purchased a Rega Planar 3 50th Anniversary Turntable with the PSU and Exact Cartridge included and works out cheaper than buying the regular Planar 3, PSU and Cartridge individually. It's only available for sale in 2023. The Clear Audio Technical AT-LP2022 you showed does not come with the Clear Cartridge. It comes with another AT Cartridge. If you want the Clear AT Cartridge that is available separately.

[@KRich408]

I found a Luxman PD-289 at a Used vinyl store in Rochester NY a few years ago. It was the best $300 I spent its in perfect condition. Except the little wire I snapped yesterday for the tone arm anti skate 😮😢 I used a piece of Kevlar fishing line to replace it until I find where to get a replacement hopefully I can find a parts TT for it. These old 70s Japanese TTs are built to last forever 😊 it sounds awesome especially with the ortofon blue cart a d stylus I put in it. I might get a Bronze or black to upgrade later.

[@thelowprofile9767]

You mentioned Pioneer PL-530 but any thoughts on Pioneer PL-730? I found one from a thrift store and bought it for $15 just hoping that it works even without testing it. Actually, there was no way to test it at the store except to check that it powers on and the platter turns.

[@dbrgr68]

i have the technics sl-q2 i replaced the ACU TEX with an ortofon 2m red and a ortofon hardshell. watched 37565 videos and bought all these finetuning gadgets. I think i did ok. It was my parents turntable for years for the old country albums. Do you think my new 2m red was a good choice. sounds good but its my first Cheers

[@DANVIIL]

Do you sell the bench you have your components on?

[@wwz1011]

I really like my vintage Pioneer PL560. Heavy? You bet! Fully automatic with a repeat function. I've also got a vintage Dual, which is fine. At least it has autostop. My last one is a Thorens TD 125. I've grown to hate this turntable. It's totally manual, doesn't even pick up at the end of the record. The SME tonearm is very complicated and touchy in my experience. It came to me as part of a system, with McIntosh AMP, tuner, and JBL C50 speakers.

[@mikefrazier3826]

I'm still using my Sansui FR-5080 direct drive that I bought used in 1977. Paired with a Sumiko Wellfleet cartridge it sounds great.

[@jacknjill3000]

Great video and thanks for sharping . I just wrote a long comment and accidentally canceled and deleted bc the yt cancel button is too close to the screen when you make corrections. Anyway, I have a vintage SL - 1400 and it’s heavy duty like the 1200 mk 2 but smaller and perfect for home. I’m wondering what I need to do to make the needle not run into the grooves when first placing on the record? Is that when you adjust the anti skating ? I moved it around but it seems to still do that and have a new cartridge on there (audio technica vm95e). I also adjusted the back weight as best to my knowledge and the arm is somewhat balanced when placing the arm over the record in different spot. Also, since this record collecting and vintage audio equipment is still sort of new for many, I see many even the experts are still learning as they go. I’m glad ppl, in the last 10 years or so have started to appreciate record and record players. Bc I’m older and remember when records and record players were everything to most ppl. That was the main piece most ppl. saved up to get. When I was a kid in the late 70’s and walked into a stereo store, I was in love bc everything was beautiful and look expensive. They would have stereos systems set up with the track light shining on it and like showcasing jewelry or an exotic car. For me, vintage Ty’s are the way to go and you get so much for your money and they are built to last like vintage cars. Stereo equipment back in the days were not cheap, so if it cost $200. Back in the 70’s and 80’s, that’s like 1k in todays $$$. And of you look at the quality and construction, it looks like if made today would cost $1k. So if you get it cheap, you’re really getting a lot of value from vintage, I started collecting around 1999, but for those that were collecting way before and bought as much as they can, those are the ones that scored big. Also if you watch ur videos on vintage Japanese store that just sell vintage audio, you will see how way behind we in America still are and should have one vintage audio store in every neighborhood, like how the record stores are now popping up. I mean most great aidio equipment comes from Japan, so they have so much more in the used market. But to think rows of vintage audio and I would go broke in just one of these stores. Anyway, one day when this hobby becomes more common, someone here in the US will go big and dominate the used audio market and if I win the lotto. I would do it bc it’s going to happen, but I hope soon

[@JustAudioHiFi]

I appreciate the time to share your story and collection! I also think you already have found the place that dominates the used market in us!

[@thebuxtstopshere]

Have you tried a few transcription tables amidst the 1000 or the Clement tonearm?

[@bobgauthier1569]

I have a Empire 698 what would be a great cartridge for that turntable any ideas?

[@Trekkie4]

I'm glad ... and honestly surprised to see LP120 being listed among all these other, far more superior turntables. Proud owner of LP140 XP here, I was slightly disappointed that it didn't get mentioned in your review but I understand. Too similar to 120 I suppose, not to mention that DJ tag scares away most HiFi oriented customers. That being said ... and all things considered, 140 makes a great HiFi table! Mine currently has Ortofon om10, although I've been using AT-95EX before I upgraded to OM10 which has a very nice and clear sound.

[@JustAudioHiFi]

Great addition! I highly recommend the 140!

[@tommy_patrick]

I had a question about a few different options for TTs. I am currently between the Audio Technica LP60x, Audio Technica LP3, and the Fluance RT81+ as I am a beginner and am not looking for something to completely break the bank. I understand most of the differences in these I would say but was wondering what you would suggest if you were to buy one starting from scratch.

[@JustAudioHiFi]

Lp3 no question

[@tommy_patrick]

@@JustAudioHiFi thank you! Is there a reason you choose the lp3 over rt81+? Not asking out of doubt. Only asking because I’ve seen so many differing opinions online 🤪

[@michaelbasave5924]

I was gifted a beautiful pioneer pl-530. It took A LOT of wok getting back into great working order. I put a nagaoka mp-110 and it sounds wonderful. Now 9 years after i first received it it's starting to have a couple of issues again. So definitely consider the maintenance when thinking about a vintage turntable. Theyre amazing but needy. Im starting to consider getting a new one so i won't have to be opening it up so often.

[@pancudowny]

I can tell you what's the best turntable you can get for under $100.00: The Pioneer PL-300. It's a direct-drive brushless with quartz phase-locked speed control that produces less rumble with lower wow & flutter than your average new "entry-level" turntable... and it was made in the late-70s!

[@mikecampbell5856]

I love turntable videos even though in 1985 my wife surprised me with a CD player on my birthday and I sold most of my vinyl. I packed my TT away a few years later. Turntables are works of art, but vinyl deteriorates the first time you play it. Maybe I could find a device that could add clicks, pops, snaps, hiss, and surface noise to my CDs. LOL

[@coolguy-wolf]

The WWF championship brings back some great memories. That was awesome to see.

[@Techrewinds]

I bought a set Technics 1200's back in the early 90s and they still sounds as good as when i first bought them ! Technics is def Quality Geat 👍

[@gomi350z]

I inherited my great grandfather's Fisher MC-730 it's about double my age. I might look into a different cartridge for it. Not sure how much it'll benefit, but it's worth a try

[@marioharoldtellezbarros5986]

A friend of mine is the proudly owner of a marantz Model 6300, the same as seen at 0:09 It's such a classic piece !!!! Greetings from CHILE 🍷🍷🍷🍷

[@fascination.sound.and.groove]

*Thanks for your cool video* 👍👍👍

[@Dirk-Ulowetz]

I own a Technics SL 1200 MK II complete with a Ortophon Concorde Gold. Really good MM System. In my Yamaha Amplifier is a built in phono preamp who can switch between MM an MC. Good old days, where this were standard in good amplifiers. This amp was the sencond biggest at the time. I only didn't buy the biggest, because it wouldn't fit in my rack. It was to deep. 😂 So I only have 2 × 800 Watts and not 2 × 1000 Watts. But i can live with it.😊

[@ThunderFootLevin]

Loving the straightforward easy to understand advice on the order to buy things in.🎉😊

[@Cimone90]

Just finished restoring a Micro Seiki BL-51 with the MA-701 tonearm on it. Looks and sounds fantastic

[@deegnardski6498]

I sell used and vintage audio and have probably personally owned about 30 tables. Right now I have 10. I have the BL-51 with the Ma-701. I'm using a Denon DL-80A high output MC cart with it. It's the best I've owned. Right now I've also got a Technics SL 1401 (much better sound than the SL1200s, IMHO) , Dual 1019 and 1219, Denon DP-52F, Acoustic Research AR-XA, Thorens TD 160, Technics SL 1500, B&O TX-2 and Thorens TD 224. I'm all about the sound. Don't care whether they are auto or manual.

[@wolfmanjacksaid]

My parents have an old Dual CS 1249 that doesn't work anymore but they plan to fix and give it to me possibly. With a small budget I got them a Dual CS 329 for $300 (on sale for $100 off) and they are over the moon! Pulled out their old record collection from the attic (mostly mid to late 70s stuff). It has an AT91 cartridge and seems to run great. I don't have any vinyl myself but after listening to a few, I love it and definitely will be getting more into vinyl and turntables now.

[@oscartango2348]

I exclusively use a "Technics, Minifon P55 Plexi". For a true audiophile such as myself, wire recording is the only way to truly experience music in the way the artist intended.

[@dnate697]

Love my Pioneer PL-400 that shipped out with a Pioneer MC Cartridge!

[@user-pr6bf7qh8t]

Great channel and historical knowledge! I have a Technics SL-1200MK2, JVC Victor QL-Y55f, Denon DP-45f, Technics SL-2000 and a Technics SL-DL5 linear. I prefer fully automatic, direct-drive models and magnetic 'Electro-Dynamic Servo Tracer' movement of the QL-Y55f and DP-45f tonearms along with the repeat mode feature I love. The Denon DP-45F detects record size with a light sensor. I'm also a fan of the Audio-Technica VM750SH and the VM540ML cartridges.

[@jonnoyes6082]

Yes, the servo tracers are great, until the control chip dies and they can't be fixed. As they get older that's happening frequently

[@jimtincher7357]

I still have my Thorens turntable I bought in the late 80's... still sounds great!

[@deadbeatboy]

What cartridge would you recommend for an upgrade on the AT-LP120XUSB? & what speakers do you recommend?

[@mgarner1155]

Not Lenny, but as noted above I am a fan of the Ortofon 2M Bronze and upper line carts by Audio Technica. My friend's Nagaoka MP200 cartridge sounds really great on his Pioneer PL530 too.

[@charlieanderson8497]

B & O 4002 ATlp-120 Fluance RT85 that I currently use with a Parasound phono pre.

[@YouTube4Rudy]

My fav is the vintage Technics SL-10. Quartz timing, direct-drive, linear tracking, fully automatic, moving coil (stock), small unique footprint, and it looks so cool (to me of course). And you could play it upside down... but I digress (a lot).

[@russellsipes5391]

Was wondering if you had a Pioneer PL-520 in stock for sale and how much. Moved 9 years ago and someone broke in my house and stole my 520 and my Pioneer 9500 tuner but didn't get my amp and pre-amp. Dynaco 416 And Sansui CA2000. Trying to get back what I loved listening to for 25 years of my life.

[@grey5626]

My turntable collection currently: a pair of Reloop RP-8000MK2s, a pair of Technics SL-1200MK4s, a pair of Denon DP DJ151s, a pair of Crosley RSD3s (mini 3" turntables, one clear). A Reloop SP!N. I think that's it at the moment? I want: at least one (but really two or three) ELPJ LT-Master (they use five lasers and no physical contact with the vinyl). Maybe a pair of the recently announced/released Technics SL-1200GRs? Probably others, but I have a lot of other things I need before I need more turntables. Still, doesn't stop me from wanting more. ;)

[@erickmonroy5363]

What's your opinion on fluence rt85?

[@BensAudioCave]

I have an LP-7 wearing an AT33 PTG/2 moving coil and a 50g aux weight mounted to a 10g zupreme shell... it is a great table... Also have a full hot rodded SL-1200mk2 wearing the same... have a video coming out comparing the 2